The National Mill Dog Rescue is an organization that rescues dogs who are bred for money and kept in horrible conditions. A student at Lewis-Palmer spends her free time to help make a change. Paige Christensen 10 volunteers at the National Mill Dog Rescue whenever she can and has been for the past few months.

The National Mill Dog Rescue rehabilitates and rehomes dogs that have been rescued; the association also educates the public about the harsh realities and cruelties of the commercial dog breeding industry. So far, 13,339 dogs have been rescued through this organization.

“(The National Mill Dog Rescue) saves dogs from puppy mills, and it is not just the puppies,” Christensen said. “They save the dogs that are bred, the ones that are treated worse than the puppies, and they save the older dogs.”

At the rescue, volunteers not only help the dogs feel loved, but they also clean the dog’s kennels, walk the dogs, and bond with the dogs. The faculty goes on rescues and meets potential adopters for the dogs.

“Mostly, we clean the dogs kennels, but we also walk dogs when we are finished. And we definitely spend a lot of personal time with the individual dogs that are there.” Christensen said.

The rescue is not only doing great things for the dogs, but it is also bettering the lives of its volunteer workers. According to National Mill Dog Rescue’s website, there are more than 600 volunteers nationally and the rescue is 95% volunteer based.

“It definitely makes me feel really good, and I’m doing something really good for these dogs that have been through so much. Seeing them happy and healthy, and sitting there in safe places, it is really awesome.” Christensen said.

Christensen is one of the many volunteers in Lewis-Palmer’s community that spends her free time making a difference for someone or something other than herself. She plans to continue her journey with helping out when she can.